Pressure Mounts for Urgent Legislation to Deliver Recycling Initiative Amid Growing Concerns
The UK government faces accusations of breaking its 2019 manifesto pledge to implement a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) after years of delays, according to a coalition of environmental groups, retailers, and drinks producers.
The DRS, designed to encourage recycling by offering a deposit refund for returned single-use bottles and cans, was first proposed in 2017 and featured prominently in the Conservative Party’s manifesto. However, despite its long gestation, the scheme remains mired in delays, with the government now projecting its launch in October 2025—although some reports suggest it may not be fully operational until 2028.
In a letter sent to recycling minister Robbie Moore, signatories including Greenpeace, Coca-Cola, Keep Britain Tidy, Surfers Against Sewage, and the RSPCA warned that the government risks failing to meet its commitment unless it introduces legislation before the next General Election. They urged for the legislation to be laid before Parliament this spring, stressing that the scheme is essential for improving environmental, social, and economic outcomes across the country.
The letter also highlighted the UK’s growing lag behind other European nations such as Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Ireland, which have already implemented DRS systems. A 2022 survey by Keep Britain Tidy found that drinks containers accounted for 75% of street litter by volume, with the Marine Conservation Society reporting that 93% of UK beaches surveyed contained such litter.
With growing calls for urgent action, the pressure is mounting on the government to deliver on its promise and ensure that the DRS scheme becomes a reality sooner rather than later.
